About

About Our Hostel

To us, the apple represents the place where you are – the source of knowledge and wisdom.

We understand that you’ve travelled from all corners of the planet seeking new places, new friends, and new adventures. You’re not satisfied with simply knowing where you’re going or how to get there – you crave an experience informed by newfound sights, sounds, tastes, and ideas. In short, you want to know where you’ve been.

Apple Hostels was dreamt about for quite some time but finally came together in the spring of 2008 when we purchased the Bank Street Hostel, located in the Old City just steps from Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and surrounded by great pubs, bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Our goal is to have the best reviewed hostel in North America, so having a great building in the perfect location has gotten us off on the right foot. Now we want to be sure to offer each of our guests a clean and safe environment, the friendliest and most knowledgeable employees, and a great variety of tours and activities.

We hope to get the opportunity to meet you and have you as one of our guests. Please be sure to let us know if there’s anything we can do to make your stay more enjoyable, either by completing one of our surveys or writing directly to one of our staff listed below. We’re looking forward to meeting you!

MickeyCEO

Mickey’s life is a tale of rags to riches. Mickey was abandoned at the USA Hostels Hollywood hostel when he was just 5 months old. As adorable as he was, the staff took him in and quickly trained him to do their jobs. Before he knew it, he was checking in 20 guests at a time, cleaning the toilets and doing the reports. All this while negotiating contracts with the hostel’s vendors. Realizing that he deserved more for all this than just dog food and belly rubs, he set out to create the world’s best hostel.

Marc DesmaraisOwner

Marc has more then 20 years experience in the hostel business. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Marc moved to California in 1998 and joined USA Hostels where he helped grow the company into one of North America’s finest chain of hostels. In 2007 he set out with Mickey and Ines to form Apple Hostels, in what they hope will be another success story. At the very least, it should keep them out of trouble for a while.

Marc’s interrests include travel, home renovation, hiking and ballroom dancing.

Tim SchmidtManager

Tim has lived in Philadelphia for the past ten years. He also sucks at saving money, so he is the king of having a good time on a budget; whether it is cheap shopping or cheap drinking. As far as his travels, he recently was able to check Paris off his list of destinations to visit but he still has a list of cities and countries he wants to see. In short, for a good time talk to Tim.

Alice GrincewiczManager

Alice is no stranger to hostels. She has done quite a bit of traveling in her life and has stayed in many hostels throughout Europe. She has also traveled all over the United States while touring with bands. After a brief stint in the traveling circus, she has made her way to Philadelphia from Orlando, Florida. Alice enjoys drinking coffee, shopping for records, going to dive bars, and singing karaoke. Ask her for advice on the best drink specials in the city, but don’t be alarmed if she starts singing Madonna songs halfway through her answer.

Max SvalgardReceptionisit

Max has spent most of his life living in Pennsylvania (so he knows the public transit REALLY well) and has toured the US with his former band nine times. With family from all over the world he’s seen his fair share of it and is looking forward to visiting family in Argentina in the future. Max is an avid fan and member of the Philadelphia Art Museum so feel free to ask him about current and upcoming exhibitions.

Kristy WilliamsReceptionisit

Kristy moved to Philadelphia in the summer of 2015 straight from the Florida swamps. She has since quickly adapted to the dry, city lifestyle. She spends her free time checking out the local comic shops, record stores, and dive bars. Kristy also loves music and is the person to talk to if you’re looking to see some bands play while you’re in Philly. Tired after a long day of sightseeing and just want to chill in our lounge? Try challenging Kristy to a game of Magic, if you’re brave enough.

Jeanine FeitoReceptionisit

Jeanine is from Miami Florida and has come to Philly to experience life in a new city. She’s traveled all around Europe, Turkey, Morocco, and some of the Caribbean. She also had the opportunity to live in Spain for several months. Jeanine is attending school for Viticulture and Oenology (wine making) and spends most of her free time exploring Philly and writing. So come to Apple Hostels, open a bottle of wine, and share your crazy travel stories with Jeanine!

Julia LanzaroReceptionisit

Julia was born in Puerto Rico but spent most her childhood traveling and moving around the east coast while hopping back and forth across the Atlantic. She has been a Philadelphia resident for the past five years and is currently studying political Science and Anthropology. Julia has studied abroad several times in Europe and often travels to visit family in the Dominican Republic and Spain. She is a member of her university’s rugby team and is an avid volunteer for the PSPCA. She spends most of her free time exploring Philly on her bike, going to different art and cultural events, prowling through used book stores, as well as trying every food Philly has to offer. If you’re looking for suggestions for a night out whether you want to dance the night away, hide in the corner of a whiskey bar, or spend your night listening to local Philadelphia comedians just ask Julia.

Jorge RullanReceptionisit

Jorge is the ballerina of the hostel! At the age of eleven, he moved to Philadelphia from Ponce, Puerto Rico. That is when he began his dance training, which took him all over the states! He now teaches at a few local studios and dances for a small modern dance company as well as working here at Apple Hostels! He loves to drink beer/tequila and act like a fool, so come by and meet him! (ps; he might be casually in a split)